Towers and Antennas Application Processing

Applications for attachment to existing structures should be submitted a minimum of three weeks prior to a meeting.

Applications for new tower or monopole construction must be submitted at least four weeks prior to a meeting.

Submission of applications by these deadlines is not a guarantee that if an application is submitted by the above time limits it will be on the agenda. Applications which are incorrect or incomplete cannot be processed until deemed complete and all relevant information in received.

These time frames allow for time needed for site visits, submission of additional information requested from the applicant, and discussions between the Tower Coordinator and the applicant or others as may be necessary to resolve any questions or concerns. Also included in this time period is approximately one week for delivery of the application packets to TFCG members for their review prior to the meeting.

Carriers and representatives are encouraged to submit applications as soon as complete and all required information is attached, rather than let the submission deadline be the determining factor as to when to file the application.

Application Checklist

Some of the carriers expressed interest in having the Tower Coordinator prepare a checklist for use in preparing applications. After a review of the TFCG Application Form, it appears to be fairly straightforward and the information to be included in the application is quite clearly stated. However, for new carriers or first-time submissions for new representatives, attached is an application form with comments intended to provide prompts to what the TFCG expects to see for answers and attachments. Also attached is a list of common problems on applications which serve to delay an expeditious review.

Structural Analysis Request

Although not usually required, submission of a structural analysis (if one has been completed) will help answer structural questions before they may become an issue. The exception to the above policy is in the case of construction of new structures. If a new tower is required because the carrier asserts that an existing facility is not structurally capable of supporting its antennas, then a structural analysis of the existing structure may be requested to support the application.

Common problems, errors, and omissions found with Application for Wireless Communications Site Coordination form that can slow processing and delay scheduling before the TFCG.

1. Missing application form or wrong version of application form submitted most recent version is dated revised 08/00.

2. No vicinity map submitted. Typically a copy of the page from the latest ADC map book with the site identified with an arrow, circle, or other symbol showing where the site is.

3. Site plans and elevations do not show placement of existing antennas and related equipment or do not indicate the name of existing carriers.

4. RF propagation maps showing area-wide coverage before and after the siting are not always included. Although required for all applications, they are critical for review of any new tower or monopole to be constructed.

5. No listing of alternative existing structures within a one mile radius which may have been considered, and an explanation of why those locations could not be used. If there are any existing alternate sites, a copy of RF propagation analysis or results from drive tests will usually be requested if not submitted in anticipation of same.

6. Identification of the number of additional carriers a new tower or monopole may accommodate.

7. No copy of a structural analysis or structural engineer's certification form to demonstrate safety of attachment on questionable structure such as in cases of attachment to very old facilities or to structures that were not originally erected to support the large antenna arrays necessary for cellular and PCS services. Additionally, if structural capacity is used as justification for why existing structures are not being considered, a structural analysis or similar confirmation is required.

8. No copy of an FAA certification review or mention that a request for one has been submitted.

9. No current facility location and projected growth plan on file.

10. Address not shown or incorrect, missing or inaccurate latitude or longitude locations.

11. Conflicting information shown, such as different elevations shown on the application form or cover letter from what is shown on the plans, or differences in number or type of antennas between what is in the application text and on the drawings.

12. No heights of buildings, size of equipment sheds, distances from property lines shown on drawings, or in the text, or both.